Rabobank Australia has announced it will reduce the variable base rate on its rural loans by 0.25%, effective February 28.
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Rabobank’s Marcel van Doremaele said the bank was pleased to pass on the full 0.25% rate reduction to its rural lending clients, following the Reserve Bank of Australia’s decision to cut the official cash rate (OCR).
“It will be a welcome reduction in costs, particularly when primary producers are still facing a relatively high-cost environment in terms of inputs, such as fertilisers, farm chemicals, fuel and freight,” he said.
Stay alert for snakes in heat
Paramedics are urging Victorians to slither safely through the rest of snake season after attending 129 suspected snakebites this summer.
From December 1 to February 18, paramedics responded to 28 incidents in Hume, 24 in Loddon Mallee, 16 in Barwon South West, 33 in Metro, 21 in Gippsland and seven in Grampians. Of these cases, 125 people were transported to hospital.
“With hot weather continuing, the snakes are out, which means we need to be vigilant,” Ambulance Victoria emergency management director Dale Armstrong said.
“Bites can often be avoided simply by being observant in areas that are likely to attract snakes, such as near rivers, long grass or sheds.
“Victorians can also take preventative measures around their home by keeping their property clear of rocks, logs and building materials, and keeping grass short.”
If someone is suspected to have suffered a snake bite, even if you’re not sure, you should call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
Free webinar about RIC farm loans
Australian Government farm business lender, RIC (Regional Investment Corporation) will host a free online ‘RIC Ready’ webinar on Wednesday, March 12 at noon, to help farm businesses learn more about applying for RIC’s concessional loans.
A recording will be emailed to registered participants after the event.
Presenters include an RIC agri lending manager and Rural Financial Counsellors, who will cover frequently asked questions about loan eligibility and applying for a RIC loan.
RIC chief executive officer John Howard said the webinar provides an opportunity for farmers, financial advisers, and business planners to get more information about RIC loans eligibility criteria, loan process and various other application requirements.
“As a national, consistent low-cost loan program for Australian farm business facing challenging financial times, RIC loans can be used to refinance, restructure and manage agribusiness debt to improve cash flow,” Mr Howard said.
“As RIC loans are not for every farm business, it is important to understand our eligibility and assessment criteria.”
For more information and to register for the free online webinar, visit: www.ric.gov.au/events
Landcare grants for young Victorians
Applications have opened for Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grants totalling $450,000, which aim to get young people out in nature to care for and learn about the environment.
Victorian primary and secondary schools, Scouts and Girl Guides, childcare centres, youth groups and Junior Landcare groups can apply for grants of up to $5000.
Projects can focus on one of two areas — education activities to involve and engage young people, and on-the-ground projects that focus on creating and restoring native habitats.
Last year, the Victorian Government provided grants to 103 recipients, including planting native gardens, building habitat to attract native insects and birds, and excursions to wildlife sanctuaries.
More than 47,000 young Victorians have taken part in Junior Landcare environmental projects since 2018 — planting nearly 100,000 native plants, going on 1100 excursions and completing 270 biological surveys.
Participant Madie Hamilton says the NFF's Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program is a life-changing opportunity.
Women with leadership ambitions are urged to apply to the popular Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program (DiALP), run by the National Farmers’ Federation.
“The NFF has set a goal to double the number of women in leadership ranks by 2030 in the ag sector,” NFF president David Jochinke said.
“This fantastic program enables women to elevate their careers, expand their networks, and drive meaningful change in agriculture.”
Twelve women will be selected for the 2025 program. They will take part in a three-day leadership retreat in Canberra, be matched with an industry-leading mentor, and work towards personal and professional goals under the guidance of the DiALP team.